Krishna Temple Lands Under Dispute
Kumar Chand P
A major land controversy has surfaced in Krishna district, where several acres of valuable agricultural land are allegedly under encroachment for nearly 55 years. The disputed properties, estimated to be worth crores of rupees, reportedly trace back to donations made by the historic Challapalli Raja family for temple development.
According to sources, around 37 acres located in Merakanapalli and Tekupalli villages of Mopidevi mandal were donated to the Shivaganga Ammavari Temple, also known as Sri Nagarapuri Durga Bhavani Maharani Mahishasura Mardini Ammavari Temple. Over time, farmers who initially cultivated the lands on lease allegedly continued using them as private holdings.
Legal disputes over the ownership reportedly continued in settlement courts until the mid-1980s, but no final resolution emerged. Questions now remain over whether the lands belong to the temple, the government, or private cultivators. Officials are also uncertain whether the properties fall under endowment lands, ceiling surplus lands, or wastelands.
The issue has triggered fresh debate as market rates for the lands are estimated at nearly Rs.25 lakh per acre. Sources further claim that nearly 100 more acres of similarly disputed lands may exist across the district.
